Who should the USMNT start vs. Costa Rica?

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — The U.S. Men’s National Team has beaten Costa Rica three times in 2013, and if they are going to do it for a fourth time on Friday, they will need to make history in order to make it happen.

Unlike those previous three victories, the next clash with the ‘Ticos’ will come in Costa Rica, a place the Americans have never won a match before.

The U.S. aren’t dwelling on their winless history in Costa Rica. Not with a 12-match winning streak giving the team a boatload of confidence heading into Friday’s crucial qualifier.

Just who will take the field for that all-important match? There are a variety of options, and Jozy Altidore’s availability is still a major question mark. The right back spot seems Geoff Cameron’s to take, while Jurgen Klinsmann has a lot of decisions to make when it comes to who will man the wings.

Here is a look at the U.S. team we see taking the field against Costa Rica on Friday night.

PROJECTED USMNT LINEUP vs. COSTA RICA

—————————Eddie Johnson——————————

Fabian Johnson———Clint Dempsey———Landon Donovan

—————Jermaine Jones——Michael Bradley—————

DaMarcus Beasley———————————-Geoff Cameron

———————-Matt Besler—–Omar Gonzalez—————

——————————Tim Howard—————————–

Some thoughts:

Jozy Altidore did not participate in full training with the team on Wednesday in Costa Rica, and it is a safe bet that Jurgen Klinsmann will look to save him for the qualifier against Mexico in Columbus. He has a variety of options to turn to in Altidore’s place and our projection goes with Eddie Johnson, who filled the same target role at the Gold Cup. Deploying Johnson would help his established partnership with Clint Dempsey shine through, while allowing for the wing tandem of Fabian Johnson and Landon Donovan.

The defense seems a safe bet to be the same back four that started in the March qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico. Geoff Cameron should be a lock at right back, with the rest of the back four making sense. John Brooks impressed against Bosnia, but it would be tough to imagine Klinsmann starting him in a road qualifier in just his second USMNT appearance. Besler and Gonzalez have the experience and should get the nod in the middle.

What do you think of the starting lineup? What changes would you make to our projected squad? Think the USMNT can post their first win in Costa Rica this Friday?

I don’t see EJ getting a start, but I do see Zusi getting in. If it’s a 4-4-2, I would expect Donovan and Dempsey up top. Otherwise, it might be a formation like you suggest, but I’d guess Dempsey will be up top and Donovan playing below him, flanked by Zusi and one of the Johnsons, probably Fabian.

Take EJ out and you have nothing but hybrid MF/Forwards and not one target man up top. Don’t see that happening. EJ get’s subbed out for Iceman at the 60-70 minute mark I hope, unless the team is in the groove with a nice lead…then at 80 minutes or whoever is out of gas….

I agree and really like your idea of playing Dempsey and Donovan on top. Against CR the US will need offensive speed to win this very tough game. Both Dempsey and EJ are more opportunist and thus should not be playing at the same time. I would also play AJ for part of the game to again provide more US offensive speed and choose Bedoya over Zusi for the same reason.

I understand Eddie Johnson has been on fire, but based off the small sample size, wouldn’t there be more reward in starting Aron Johannsson? He seems to have a higher ceiling then Johnson. But other than that, couldn’t agree more with the line up.

People need to pump the breaks on Johansson – I know we’re all excited about his talent, but lets slowdown. How many forwards have we hyped up than discarded in the last 7 to 8 years.
We have no idea how Johansson is going to handle playing in Costa Rica, we’ve seen other European-born Americans struggle with their first starts in Central America – Johansson might be better served coming off the bench once he has a little time to witness the action and atmosphere first hand.

Davies is a bit unique isn’t he? He almost died. It’s not like he just flamed out because he wasn’t as good as advertised or over-hyped. We didn’t really get a chance to see if he would pan out or not before his accident.

At the same time, Davies hadn’t really done all that much. Obviously he scored the goal at Azteca, but that was more because of Landon’s ridiculous through ball than Charlie’s good-but-he-better-not-have-missed-it finish. The next thing you know, CD9 is hyped as the greatest thing to ever happen to US soccer, and he hadn’t done jack.

He brought an aggressive , confident attitude to the forward position it had not seen in some time. This was very valuable even though it did mask Davies’ technical deficiencies.

His speed alone stretched opposing defenses and took pressure off of our defense and gave room to our attackers. Davies did his bit to pin Ramos back in the Spain victory. You’d be amazed how just a little extra space can make a big difference.

Once he left it was hard to replace him because even though you could find speedy guys, once the opposition realize they couldn’t score, they were ignored. Simple really.

The only cap of note that I can recall for Quaranta was against Argentina when he went man to man with Messi and essentially locked him down all game. I believe that is where the hype started. Unfortunately, his off field issues eventually cost him.

I think people underestimate Beckerman rivaling for that starting spot, if Jones faulters I think Beckerman could actually take that spot. He had an amazing Gold Cup, when they took him out in 66′ for one game for Holden and Mix tandem, US started falling apart. People don’t realize how much he makes other people play better around him.

While I think Ives’ guess is a solid one, my bet is that there will be some surprises as always. This lineup would just make too much sense. I read Bedoya has been playing RB at Nantes. It wouldn’t shock me if JK put him there over Cameron. I’d rather see Cameron pair with Bradley in the middle, but I doubt that will happen.

jesus christ. the dude played one came as a wing back in a formation not even close to what the US plays and some people want him to play RB for the US. Bedoya is not going to play RB, stop talking about it.

other than that, your point is fair. even though i think Ives is spot on, it’s fair to wonder if that lineup is too obvious.

I agree that will probably be the lineup however, if I had the choice I would start F. Johnson at LB and Bedoya in mid. Johnson can still create on the overlaps and Bedoya is another option that can create goal scoring opportunities. I would also like AJ over EJ but he maybe a good option off the bench.

Why is Ives always pointing to a 4-5-1, with either Altidore or Johnson up top. The US plays better with a 442 and Landon,Donovan with his great form right now should be paired with Johnson up top. Lets not forget Johansson. He needs more minutes to integrate with the US players and formations. I think Fabian Johnson would be better served as a right back, his runs from the back are really good. Unless JK is auditioning Cameron for a Left back, move Beasley back into that spot he has been successful there.

i agree that we don’t play much of a strict 4-2-3-1 anymore, but when we’ve really shone, we’ve been playing more of a 4-4-1-1 (dempsey supporting) than a 4-4-2, so it really isn’t that far off of a 4-2-3-1.

“Why is Ives always pointing to a 4-5-1″ Have you watched the USMNT since Klinsmann has been the manager? That is the preferred formation he has used almost every game, at least to start the games. Why would he all of the sudden change?

“Unless JK is auditioning Cameron for a Left back, move Beasley back into that spot he has been successful there.” Why do you have Beasley slotted in at right back???

I really don’t think EJ is that good, too slow of thought to do much more than run the channel. That said, starting ArJo is more of a risk. I agree that he should sub on after watching what this CONCACAF stuff is all about for a little bit.

agreed. the sum total of his contribution is a couple of step overs then try to blow by the defender with speed. oh and that thunderous header 16 seconds into the game… so if Jozy can’t start, i’m hoping to AJ, inexperience and all

Right. And I’d have no problem seeing EJ comes off the bench. I’m not crazy about him as a player in general, but I can’t deny that he’s almost always contributed when coming in mid-second half. He’s at his best, I think, when the rest of the field has tired legs, and he can use his speed (which is his greatest, or perhaps only, asset).

Yes, I agree. And I think he does that with speed. I haven’t seen numbers on this, but if someone could find some, I think his scoring rate recently is much higher in games where he’s come on as a sub during the second half. But that’s just speculation.

Makes total sense to sit your workhorse, champions league veteran, physical central midfielder on the road in a highly hostile, high altitude away qualifier where the opponent will be looking for revenge and pressing highly.

If JK is serious about winning the CR game he will start Jones. JJ is the enforcer and CR will pull stuff at home. But they might think twice with JJ there who after all, handled them very well in Denver.

And besides win this and the US will beat Mexico with whoever is left that is card eligible.

Oops. yeah, Cameron at right back. I do think Beckerman is going to start over Jones, who I like but who has been in poor form the past few weeks. I also think not a snowball’s chance in heck that Bedoya starts over Zusi. If Altidore is not fit, I think Donovan up top. As for Fabian at right back instead of LM, probably won’t happen but I bet Klinsmann in the back of his mind is considering it.

that is, Donovan will not play with Jozy in the line-up unless Kllinsmann finally takes my advice and moves Fabian to right back, his best position which he plays for his club. Then Donovan can play LM and there is no doubt in my mind that Donovan is about 25-50% better at LM than Fabian Johnson.

I’m with biff-cakes on this one, I think JK is still going to show the world that he didn’t like Donovan’s beach time, and he will play Zusi over him. I’m not saying it’s right, but I don’t see JK benching Zusi. If Altidore doesn’t play though, JK will put in Donovan.

You got it, Chris H. That is exactly the point. Klinsmann’s comments a few days ago about the roster combined with his specific comments about Donovan indicate to me that he is going to give preference to the boys who played in the WCQ games in June and that he will especially prefer them over Donovan. Klinsmann loves Zusi and is not going to sit him on Friday. And on further reflection after my comment yesterday, I now think that probably Donovan will start on the bench Friday even if he is sitting next to Jozy Altidore, meaning we will see EJ up top. If USA is leading Costa Rica, I think chances are high Donovan does not see 1 second of game time. Klinsmann would love to get this win without Donovan. That said, if we are tied or down at 55-60 minutes, I have no doubt Klinsmann will swallow his stubborn pride and inject Landy-Cakes, his best player, into the game.

Don’t like Eddie Johnson up top on his own. Against Costa Rica’s defense, he won’t offer much. Plus, any “established partnership” with Dempsey hasn’t shown through for Seattle. If anything, they try to occupy the same space and cancel each other out for 80% of the game. I do agree that Johnson probably gets the nod because Aron is so new. But I’d like to see us roll the dice, and I truly believe Aron’s game is far more versatile than Johnson’s.

I also don’t like Omar starting. He’s been doing well recently, but he’s a liability at the international level. Brooks hasn’t played too much lately, so I understand his exclusion. However, it’s important that we cap tie him on Friday. Let’s get that little situation settled.

agree that the Deuce-EJ partnership does not really work as they are very similar in style and usually both end up slowing down the offensive build up cuz they’re too busy “trying sh!t” with all their step overs and such.

The proposed lineup looks good. It will all depend on where Altidore is at physically. Hamstrings can be tricky, which is why I was surprised he was already back in training. Maybe it was just tightness that kept him from playing for Sunderland over the weekend. Not sure how healthy he is to start on Friday, but besides that, this lineup looks exactly like what you would expect Klinsmann to do. I could see substitutions later in the game with Bedoya, Johannsson, and Mix coming on, depending on the the course of the game. Regardless, I definitely see them winning on Friday.

Yes, I would start Donovan over Dempsey, Donovan is more productive and more dangerous than Dempsey, Donovan carries the USNT, Donovan is scoring, while Dempsey barely has any impact with Seattle, at this moment.

I like this. and I think Donovan, FJ, and Zusi out there together counter attacking fast could provide some great chances. But, I just don’t see how Klinsman leaves Dempsey out of the lineup. However, I believe Zusi deserves to start, and then it comes down to whether you pick Donovan or Dempsey (alternatively if Jozy is hurt, you could start Landon and Clint as strikers, but I don’t think we’ve ever seen that?)

Dempsey has been Klinsmann’s spoiled brat, Dempsey is good enough to play flanks (which Dempsey start it both World Cup) and Dempsey was great there. Dempsey was horrible vs mexico in Azteca, yet Dempsey continue playing. I am not anti-Dempsey, but Dempsey isn’t Messiah like some here make to be, especially after Dempsey’s failure at Spurs.

I’m expecting the unexpected. Would not be surprised if we started conservatively with the goal of getting to half time with the game scoreless. Would not be surprised if another marquee player (in addition to Altidore) started on the bench, so he could be brought on at 65′ once the game has simmered down. All of this talk about attacking and playing for a win at a place where we’ve basically had our @sses handed to us sounds naive. Klinsmann is bright, so the smack could be a ploy.

I do believe the US fans here sometimes get carried away in their expectations. If the US gets a draw I’ll be satisfied, a win and I’ll be ecstatic. Klinsmann may want to attack, but I think the smart thing would be to be ready to absorb the pressure their first half hour and try to wear the Ticos down and then start putting the pressure on the last 20 minutes or so. A 1-0 win is as good as any win. As an alternative, he might want to attack early to get the first goal and take the fans out of the game and put the psychological pressure on CR early on, opening them up for counter attacks. I think it depends on how he feels about the two teams.

Yeah, I want to see the win streak continue just like everyone else, but I share your sentiment. I’d be very satisfied to get a point out of this one. That would put us at 14 with 3 games to go, and even if we tie Mexico on Tuesday, I have to think we get 6 points from the last two games. The very worst we could do with 21 points is easily win the Hex.

I agree this will be the most likely lineup. Although I would like to see some minor changes I’ve been generally happy with Klinnsmann’s recent line-up selections. Much different from when Klinnsmann first took over the USMNT. I would want pull my hair out and yell at the tv when I saw the line-up. Anyone else feel the same way?

If Jozy can’t go, I’d like to see Dempsey and Donovan up top together in a 4-4-2. Aside from the Gold Cup, Eddie Johnson has not impressed me one bit this year and he looked completely awful against Bosnia.

If Jozy can’t go, my first choice would be Johansson up top, but I’d put Lando up top, and slot Zusi into right wing before starting EJ. EJ just doesn’t bring anything dynamic to the attack position imho. Otherwise I like it.

I know it won’t happen, but I would love to see Donovan up top instead of EJ (if Jozy is a no-go). I would then put Bedoya (or Zusi) on the right. Landon has a better chance of causing consistent havoc than EJ, although EJ seems to have a knack for looking bad all game and make that one run he is able to finish off.

This is actually an interesting proposition, Soccerjohn. However, in a 4-3-3, you really need box-to-box midfielders holding it down, or at least a runner, a passer, and a shooter. The closest thing to that would be:
——————-Jozy—————–
—-Deuce————————-LD—
——-JJ——–MB90——–Zusi/Mix–
—Beas————————-Cam—-
————JAB—-Bes——————
—————-T-Ho!———————

by far my biggest concern. im nervous just thinking about it. he’s going to have to be very disciplined given the ref and environment. and JK needs to sub him out if we have any kind of decent cushion on the score line in the 2nd half.

that’s a fair point. i would say a 3 goal lead, pull him with 20-30 minutes left. if only a 2 goal lead, pull him out with 10-15 minutes left. of course, if he gets a yellow in the game, then he plays 90.

but idk, i absolutely understand your point. i just think having him for the Mexico game is crucial. even if we don’t NEED to win there (assuming we win in CR), it would be nice to celebrate our WC berth at home with a win and i think having Bradley gives us the best chance. not to mention, it’s Mexico.

He has these 23 or whatever guys together and is telling them “okay, the US has never gotten points from an away game at CR before. That changes now. We beat CR, then we beat Mexico and finally we can celebrate”.

JK is taking advantage of breaking all these “never before” taboos to show these guys that they can actually beat anyone. And I think it is taking.

Since the 1998 World Cup I have always felt that what primarily separated the USMNT from the better results in tournaments was not so much talent, (the 1998 USMNT World Cup team was very talented but were too busy screwing each other’s wives and doing Prell commercials), but a strong belief in themselves and their abilities.

The 2002 team had that belief and the 2006 team did not. The 2010 team was somewhere in between and this edition has a chance to better the 2002 team if they get a good draw and a little luck.

The point is, it does not matter if the US loses all ten guys to yellows.

I expect the US to beat Mexico because the US are home, it is WC qualifying and that is why JK spent the last two years building up depth.

This team is good enough to beat Mexico without Mikey because they have learned to make do with what they have and still get it done. If this team actually believes they can’t beat Mexico without the Ex-Boss’ son then JK has failed and should be replaced right away.

I agree with your statement regarding Klinsmann going for the win in San Jose, but other than that, I disagree.

The 1998 US World Cup team had terrible coaching. We were playing a 3-6-1 which didn’t work. Then you explain our performance in the next 3 World Cups as precise measurements of our confidence? What about the draw, or a lot of other things? We beat Portugal 3-2 in 2002 in part because of a crazy deflection off a Landon Donovan cross. How is that based on confidence?

You are really underrating Mexico. They could easily beat us with all of our players present. Without Bradley, who is the glue that keeps this team together, I don’t think we would win. I certainly wouldn’t be talking about replacing our coach.

“The 1998 US World Cup team had terrible coaching. We were playing a 3-6-1 which didn’t work. ”

I said they lacked “a strong belief in themselves and their abilities”. It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to instill that in the team. They did not. They failed. You and I actually agree.

“Then you explain our performance in the next 3 World Cups as precise measurements of our confidence? What about the draw, or a lot of other things? We beat Portugal 3-2 in 2002 in part because of a crazy deflection off a Landon Donovan cross. How is that based on confidence?”

It would take too many words to “explain our performance in the next 3 World Cups”. If you want to get into a chicken or egg thing about which came first confidence, luck or sheer talent, then we can but at this level it simpler to note that the 2002 team combined their luck with their innate ability and confidence to get a good result, in a way that the 2006 team could not and that the 2010 team was somewhere in between.

“You are really underrating Mexico. They could easily beat us with all of our players present. Without Bradley, who is the glue that keeps this team together, I don’t think we would win. I certainly wouldn’t be talking about replacing our coach.”

“Can” is not the same as “will”. I agree with you that Mexico on top of their game is at least equal if not better than the US but I have watched all their recent games and, right now, they have no rhythm, no belief, and no confidence. They just look awful. I don’t think they can just flip a switch and get that back by the 10th.

The Honduras game is key. If they lose or tie that they will come to Ohio either beaten down or fighting for their lives. In either case, I expect the US to beat them in Columbus, with or without Mikey, for all the reason I stated before.

I think you have very valid arguments but at this point I see no reason for the USMNT players to be anything other than positive bordering on arrogant. That is how JK’s German teams were, the ones he played on. They always expected to find a way to win even against better teams. I see the USMNT heading that way and I’m all for it.

with regard to accomplishing firsts, this team is carrying on what Bradley’s team began–first USMNT to win final WC group stage game, first ever USMNT international final, first time to win WC group in 60+ years, for example. Pretty big firsts in their own right

GW: I read through your exchange with bryan and D’Oh!. I see your point, but I still think it would be a mistake to keep Bradley on the field if the US has a significant lead*. There are just too many solid defensive substitutions that can be made. Going off of Ives’ lineup: Cameron could replace Bradley and reliably prevent any CR comeback, with Parkhurst at RB. Bedoya could come on for Deuce, with Donovan sliding into the middle and Bedoya at RM. Aron Bacon could come on for Beasley, pushing FabJo back to LB. Any/all of these changes would solidify the defense (while still providing serious offensive threat).

___________
* “IF.” I don’t think it will happen though. I predict only a 1-0 victory for the US off a very late goal. CR is too pumped, too angry, and also a pretty good team. They will run their guts out and finally succumb late in the match.

Not worried about Howard getting carded. So what if he does? Guzan is arguably the best backup any position we have. He deserves a real match with real implications before this world cup to show Klinsmann what he’s made of.

someone help me out here, but have LD and Deuce ever started a game up top together? such a set up would not really give us a good hold up/target man up top, but more speed/skill players. I know that’s not Ives’ line up, but a number of posters below have suggested this

I dont think they have ever started together up top without a target striker btween. We have seen Dempsey-Jozy-Donovan before in a 433 and of course the two as midfielders and two strikers above them..

Its not a bad idea, something like this:
——-Dempsey—–Donovan—–
–FJ————————Zusi—
——–Jones—–Bradley——–

I’m not sure if they have(its been awhile if so) but Dempsey played some as a lone striker at Tottenham last season. It might not be his best position but he can hold the ball up just as well as EJ. I think playing Dempsey and Donovan up top together will help us keep more possession in the first half. Wear down Costa Rica then bring on the EJ and/or Johannsson to break through. It also allows Donovan to really play his best position under the striker too. Just my take.

Neither one plays best when “leading the line”. EJ and Agudelo like that role. Dempsey likes running the channels tjat open behind the run of play and Donovan prefers space in midfield and diagonal runs to maximize options

Donovan plays wherever he asked to play, and I think saying he prefers space in midfiled is not accurate although he is good at exploiting space that he creates by pushing high and wide and then dropping into space. just parked there he is much easier to mark, he’s better roaming the field all over

Deuce has absolutely no partnership with EJ right now in Seattle.
EJ can’t help hold up the ball either, we really do need more depth at forward :S I want to see Johansson take part tomorrow, he is on terrific form

Have to disaggree. EJ can play the holding roll. His current situation in Seattle is vastly different from what the Nats is. Seattle predominantly plays a 4-4-2 diamond mid without a true 10 (Dempsey is not) and with Martins out, Seattle hasn’t truly been at full strength yet. Additionally, Demps is essentially in pre-season form, give it time and he’ll gel there. Looking at who they (EJ, Demps) would be surrounded with in Ives realistic starting line-up, it’s just not a fair comparison. EJ’s score sheet stats for the US speak volumes to his productivity. He scores important goals and can be a handful to deal with for opposing defenses. While CR stacks humans around their box, the line-up above should be more than capable of dismantling them. If it’s not working then A. Bacon should get a shot later in the game if Altidore is resting for Mex.

While I am not always a fan of the “expected” lineups… and do enjoy entertaining flights of fancy from time to time… I was borderline with you until you mentioned Chris Klute and then I knew you were drinking the witches brew.

Ok, let’s go with Bealey. Good grief, after 3 years on the job to find a lb, Klnsmann gives us Bealey for the World Cup at left back. In 8 years, 3 cycles, not one person in America has stepped up to play lb better than Beasley. Incredible. I’ll have another swig of witches brew, tks

Love Beasley because he attacks. He’s made great decisions over the past few months, even when they cause a penalty kick, and he the perfect bend don’t break guy. For what he lacks in defense he makes up on the attacking in IMO

Don’t think you are watching the same MNT the rest of us are. The full backs alternate in attack in Klinsmann’s system, but if one had to choose which side was more involved in leading the attack it would undoubtedly be the LEFT.

Idk how I feel about Eddie, Fabian, Clint, and Donovan on the same field for the first time. Duece hasn’t impressed since his move to Seattle… I would personally prefer Donovan behind the striker with Bedoya on the right.

I am not so certain about Cameron at RB. With Bradley, Jones, and Cameron all on yellows we can not risk having all three out against Mexico. I actually expect Parkhurst to start with Cameron filling in where needed as a sub and against Mexico.

Howard has had a dip in form this year. He is probably our third best keeper. Guzan has been a beast this year and I wish he would start. Too bad Howard is entrenched. He makes ordinary saves look so hard.

Our third best keeper??? Behind Rimando? This is absurd. I just can’t imagine how people can think this way. Rimando is a good keep, for sure, but he’s not in the same league as Howard. Guzan is great, but the fact that he plays with a lousy defense and faces 15 shots a game gives people an inflated sense of his abilities. Howard has two shutouts in two games in the PL. I’m not sure how else you measure his form.

disagree with your take on Guzan; many of us have realized he’s the sh!t for many years now. I’m not saying he should start, but there is nothing inflated about people’s sense of his abilities. He’s awesome

I know this lineup will never happen (Castillo) but I like how he gets involved in the offense, it would leave the back exposed. But, you would have two offensive minded Full Backs with some quality and speed. Cameron is a player who likes to have the ball at his feet and play a good pass, he’s not one for bombing up and down the line. That’s why I don’t like him in that position, and to be honest his best performances for the US has been at CB or CM. Given the last performance that JJ had, I would imagine that Cameron should get a look at CM with Bradley, but we all know how much JK loves JJ, and to be honest he’s a strong tackler and a tenacious defender in the middle. He’s good for the team.

I can’t imagine JK starting JAB on a road qualifier unless he absolutely has no choice. JAB’s situation differs from Besler’s in Mexico because a) JK absolutely had no choice and b) Besler was not “green” but rather an experienced player who was reigning defender of the year in MLS who had not yet been capped…big difference.

I am with DC Josh on this one. JK may start John Brooks if better than Omar in training.

Brooks is “green” on the international stage just like Besler was but Brooks has the skills to compete. I don’t think Besler being a “defender of the year in MLS” negates his greeness on the international scene. Brooks is not overall as experienced as Besler in terms of years but he isn’t that far off. Brooks being one of the best CB in the Bundesliga 2 last year and growing up through the ranks for years in quality programs shows some immense experience as well.

Would be interesting to see Besler and John Brooks out there as I think they compliment each other in terms of how they play more than Omar does with Besler (even though we keep getting glowing stories in the media with quotes from Omar and Besler that they compliment each other so well). Omar is not adept at stepping to strikers/withdrawn forwards, Besler excels at bossing the line and cleaning up and not necessarily being the step up man either. Would like to see a Brooks/Besler pairing. Interesting that they both are lefties (though Besler is even more predominately left footed). Excited about the match no matter who is out there.

Omar is terrific at controlling anything in the air around the box. That’s why he is a good compliment to Besler, and why JK will probably start him vs a Costa Rica side that likes to whip in the crosses.

I see it different…
Brooks is in the roster as insurance. Besler will start in CR if he obtains a yellow, Brooks will start in Ohio. If Besler doesn’t get a yellow then Brooks goes back to Germany after the CR game.

I think JJ will start, but I also think he very well could get carded, and he’d be missed in Columbus in that situation. I like JJ in that matchup vs. Mexico and hope he’s available. Beckerman has played well vs. Costa Rica

Is anybody else worried that we will lose these next 2 games? I mean, I’m not trying to somber the mood … but it’s a good possibility. One is against a team we’ve never beaten away. The second versus what could be a desperate (or, if they win against Honduras, a confident) Mexico.

We weren’t exactly known for getting results at Azteca, and we pulled that off. This is a different US team. Attacking, aggressive, pressuring. Loads of talent up front. I am expecting a result in both these games.

Beckerman because he was awseome in the Gold Cup and with so many players moving forward, we’d need someone who knows his role and hangs back – a true defensive midfielder.

Brooks and Johannsson because they need their trial by fire. Gonzales and E. Johnson if you want to be conservative. Or Jones or Diskerud for Beckerman if you find Beckerman and his dreadlocks just too unpalatable…

Altidore seems to be MUCH more comfortable and effective when he has company up top. We’ve got 4 class forwards and world-class offensive power for the first time that I can remember… put it to use.

there are just too many to ponder here.
klinsy has shown his hand
Beasley gonzo besler Cameron
Fabian Bradley Donovan bedoya
altidore Dempsey
howard
I would go with sacha kljestan instead of Fabian myself.
im not sure jozy is available and if not then we may have to go
with eddie, because no way Donovan plays that far forward today,
but Donovan has good chemistry with eddie johnsons forehead
and that can pay off as we can beat costa rica up and with
power blasts from top of the box, but running it in behind them is
about impossible with 8 guys back at all times

Anyone else worried about these yellows? I feel Bradley is smart enough to not do anything stupid in CR, but I wouldnt mind seeing Jones on the bench or subbed early for Beckerman/Cameron. We can beat CR without Jones-Bradley combo, dont know if we can beat Mexico without it though.

Yes worried! Still I would not hold back against CR. Of course disaster can strike wherein we lose to CR and Jones, Bradley, Dempsey, and FJ get yellow cards so can’t play vs Mexico.
But I think you must have faith that the players can maintain discipline and that the 7 players with a yellow card will let their teammates do more of the dirty work this time.

Still with most of the projected midfield on YCs, you wonder just how hard CR will come at them in an attempt to get a reaction.

I don’t disagree with your lineup, but someone moves up top.
There is no way the US goes with lone striker. So much better with two forward.

And Josh below. I agree 100%, love Cameron and Bradley together in mid. I think this is a figure out the RB position. Evans is pretty good, can we have better…..and another thing to consider. Evans is injured a LOT.

Playing Eddie Johnson as the lone striker would be an absolute mistake in this case. He simply is not that good. Do we need our striker to score goals on his own this game. Our midfield will create chances on its own by quick passing combinations or drawing fouls. What we need our striker to do is be able to hold up the ball and let the midfield run in the time is right. The choice is so obvious to me that Johansson IMO. Such a more honest player. Makes better runs in the box, more clever in his pass and gets in better defense spots. Who cares he is brand new. If jurgi has a brain.

4–2-3-1 formation or 4-3-3 if your asking USSF
GK: Howard (not so sure there is that big of gap between him and Guzan, By next June Guzan may be the better gk)

LB: DMB
LCB: Besler
RCB: Gonzo
RB: Evans

HM: Jones and Bradley

CAM: Deuce
RW: Landy
LW: F. Johnson

SK: Johansson

Subs: Cameron into HM if result is in hand late
Eddie: Uptop if we need a goal
Bedoya or Zusi: if we still need a goal

I agree with your assessment of EJ, he may score a goal here and there but between his horrible first touch and negative play back which many times results in losing the ball and the other team scoring as it was the case in Bosnia.

I think the US is fully aware that they cannot rely on Eddie the way they can on Jozy, and that the weight of the team has shifted to Donovan and Demspey to either score or create excellent chances. That said, I agree that AJ would be the better choice.

I have watched EJ play with the Sounders a lot recently, and the aspect of his game that impresses me most these days is his hold-up play. He’s very strong, and if you send a ball his way, more often than not, he’s going to win it and shield it. This is against some very physical MLS CB’s.

Seattle has a pretty dynamic midfield, so EJ is used to playing off of the creativity of a talented bunch behind him. I don’t think he’s such a bad choice for a lone striker.

Obviously, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out if I’m mistaken.

I agree–not as a sounders fan, but as someone who has really started paying attention to their game since Obafemi Martins arrived and Eddie started his resurgence there. Couple that with the absolute dynamite supporting Seattle enjoys, then Dempsey arriving and I find myself watching Seattle quite a bit actually. and Eddie has really improved in all of these aspects as Chris has pointed out. To put it quite plainly, I would say these are his strengths these days along with his aerial game.

So crazy reading some of you guys sometimes–when it comes to a players newfound strengths you lot seem blinded by a player’s past shortcomings in that area; as if you haven’t watched a single minute of his recent form and are unaware of his improvements. But when it comes time to point out a player’s weakness, it’s “what he’s he done for me lately” and a general amnesia sets in when it comes time to keep in mind all that he was (and likely still is capable of.

If Jozy can’t go, I think AJ will start. He showed enough against B-H to walk into a starting role, and I think Jurgen will play the best 11, and I think AJ is part of that 11 over EJ.

For my taste, EJ is just too lax out there. Sure he’s dangerous at times, but when he doesn’t close down space and just jogs around or walks, well, I just can’t take that crap. Thankfully, Jozy kicked a similar habit over the past few years.

Here’s the problem. As long as we play 4-2-3-1, you’re completely eliminating the best player on the team (perhaps one of the best with one of two others) from contributing on offense. Bradley as a holding midfielder is a waste of his time and talent. I think we all know what he can do when allowed to go forward in a 4-4-2. If you want to try Johannsson at forward, how about Altidore and Johannsson up front. L to R Donovan, Jones, Bradley, Dempsey in the midfield. Beasley, Besler, Gonzalez and Cameron in the back. If you want to try Donovan or Dempsey at forward, fine. Evans can’t defend anyone 1v1 hence Cameron getting the nod.

I don’t think of eddie as a real 9
so I would put johannsson in there before id go to eddie, and with no shea as a super sub
late, eddie will play that role tremendously especially the last 30 minutes in a zero to zero tie
that’s going to be exciting, wish I could afford beinsports LOL LOL but I feel they don’t want
americans watching the deal due to the obvious cheating that will go on, at least 3 americans
will get yellows to axe them from the mexico bout, Dempsey Bradley and the most valuable
of our players, therefore look for jozy to sit out this one. but hell start with mexico,
klinsy has to do something special here to mix this up.
he can go with Beckerman and brooks and dixerud late to seal the deal or Castillo
but getting that goal on a team with everyone back, on the road where you have never
won before, I think the USA players will get so jacked up that there is no way stopping
them,
johannsson dempsey
Fabian Bradley Donovan bedoya
Beasley gonzo besler Cameron
howard
not my starting 11 right now today id be
jozy and johannsson
kljestan Bradley Donovan bedoya
goodson gonzo brooks besler
guazan
and I can explain it all by saying only clint has not really looked in form yet
so he cant be a starter, and Fabian and jurmaine have sucked and are not in form
zusi still recovering in my opinion from injury somewhat bedoya high work rate and
better each time out, brooks is ready, and goodson has to be out there, we need
our best players on the field at all times, its just difficult to get clint in there for aaron
until he scores a freakin goal in a game etc.

Why do all of you put LD on the wings, he should in the Gold Cup to be significantly more effective up top, in fact i would rather LD play the CAM over Deuce, Deuce has not had steller standout performances for the US team in a very long time. FYI scoring goals doesnt make a game a standout performance, Deuces recent goals were a matter of getting the right bounce or being in the right place, not about his individual brilliance. I would rather see a 4-4-2 with LD and Johannson up top and Deuce on the bench

Because he is very good on the wing. Yes, he is very good in the center too. Fact is, he’s very good almost anywhere on the field. But if you put him in the center, then you have to push Deuce out to where Deuce is less effective, or bench Deuce.

So this isn’t about pushing LD to the wing. It is about playing a formation that keeps LD and Deuce on the field at the same time playing position they are both good at.

so why not Deuce on the wing then? not like he can’t play there or hasn’t played there. Neither are currently playing that role on their clubs. LD has been absolutely tearing it up as a striker for club and country all summer.

it’s fun to talk about. we’ll see what coach does.

the other fun one imo is JJ or Beckerman is this one. I know this is the biggest game this year so far for the team, but with all those yellows out there, and Rodriguez calling the game on the road, it just may affect Klinnsman’s tactics and choices with Mexico on Tuesday. Talk about a big game

Start LD on the wing, but he and Dempsey will be free to interchange. Only potential problem is covering back, as right back has been weak for us, and if LD goes inside, Dempsey will have to adjust wide, and also be alert to tracking back.

I was just sitting here wondering why in the hell everyone is calling for AJ to start an away WCQ in Costa Rica when he’s only played like 20 minutes for the US, but then I remembered that I was reading the comments on SBI.

It could be worse. You could be reading ESPN comments. Or better still, ESPN comments under an article about Alabama football.

Actually, when rated against the average internet commentor (which isn’t saying much, I know) the SBI community passes with flying colors. There’s always a few nut jobs out there. And while I agree that AJ shouldn’t start– if Jozy’s out, we don’t have a ton of depth up top, so it isn’t that crazy to want to see how the fresh blood can do.

Hey Y’all – does anyone know if ESPN 3 or anyone else will have the game available to watch online AFTER the live broadcast? I know they sometimes make it available 24 hours later… Can’t watch tonight but don’t wanna miss it!